Skagway: Musher’s Camp Sled Dog Ride & Puppy Time

Summary

Sled dog adventure skagway with husky teams and puppy cuddles

You’ll ride through Alaska’s rainforest behind a real team of Iditarod huskies, then meet their puppies at Musher’s Camp near Skagway. Hear stories from mushers, ask anything you want during kennel talk, and soak up views over Dyea’s tidal flats—all with round-trip pickup and local guides who know every twist in the trail.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed stepping out in Skagway was the sharp smell of spruce—so clean it almost stings your nose. Our guide, Jamie, had this easy way of weaving old gold rush stories into the drive along the coast, like she’d lived here forever. The road to Dyea twisted past waterfalls that looked like they’d just melted that morning. It’s funny how quiet it gets when you leave town—just tires crunching gravel and the odd raven yelling at us from somewhere up in the trees.

I didn’t expect to actually feel nervous meeting the sled dogs, but there’s this wild energy when sixteen huskies start barking and hopping as soon as they see you. Our musher, Pete (he’s run the Iditarod—his hands looked like he could tie knots in steel), grinned and told me not to worry about looking silly on the wheeled sled. The ride itself? Fast. Bumpy. Trees whipping by so close you could smell wet moss and fur at once. My cheeks hurt from grinning—these dogs really love their job.

Afterwards we got to just sit with a pile of puppies tumbling over each other, all warm bellies and tiny sharp teeth. There was a crackling fire going near the kennel talk area—someone handed me coffee that tasted faintly smoky, probably from the same fire. Pete answered questions about training for races (I asked if he ever gets tired of snow—he just laughed). I still think about those tidal flats we saw on the way back—the light was turning gold and an eagle drifted over, barely flapping its wings. Not sure why that sticks with me.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Musher's Camp and Sled Dog Adventure

• Historic tour through downtown Skagway
• Drive nine miles along coastline to Musher’s Camp
• Ride specialized unimog up mountain road
• Meet musher and Alaskan huskies
• Ride wheeled sled down zig-zag trail
• Return by unimog to overlook Dyea tidal flats
• Attend Kennel Talk about dog sledding
• Play with Alaskan husky puppies
• Relax by fire and visit gift shop

Top questions

How long is the sled dog ride at Musher's Camp in Skagway?

The sled dog ride covers about a mile-long trail through Tongass National Rainforest.

Are there real Iditarod dogs on this Skagway tour?

Yes, many of the Alaskan huskies are veterans or future racers of the Iditarod.

Is transportation included for this Skagway sled dog tour?

Yes, round-trip transportation from downtown Skagway to Musher's Camp is included.

Can you play with puppies on this Musher's Camp tour?

Yes, there is time set aside to interact with Alaskan husky puppies during your visit.

What should I wear for a summer sled dog adventure in Skagway?

Dress in layers for variable weather; waterproof jackets are recommended due to possible rain or mist.

Are there any fitness requirements for this tour?

You must be able to walk 100 yards (with or without assistance) and step up 12 inches to board vehicles.

What’s included

Your day includes round-trip transportation from Skagway to Musher’s Camp in Dyea, a guided historic drive along scenic coastline, a mountain ride by unimog vehicle, an exciting mile-long sled dog experience with professional mushers and Alaskan huskies—even some who’ve raced the Iditarod—and plenty of time for puppy cuddles after a kennel talk by the fire before heading back.